Atrial fibrillation (also known as AF or AFib) is the most common type of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm). The most common symptom of AF is heart palpitations (an irregular and rapid heartbeat, typically experienced as a rapid thumping in the chest).

Approximately 350,000 Canadians have atrial fibrillation. About 3% of the population over 45 years old and 6% of the population over 65 years old have atrial fibrillation.

Age is an important risk factor for AF. As we get older, changes in our heart make us more susceptible to developing AF. Although AF is more common after age 65, it can occur at younger ages as well. If you are over 40 years old, the lifetime risk of developing AF is 1 in 4. The incidence of AF doubles with each decade of life after age 55.

Although the cause of AF is not always known, there are some conditions that may increase the risk of AF: